Avalanche forecast

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche concerns remain primarily in the upper elevations on wind loaded terrain where wind slabs 1-2 feet deep could still be triggered on steep, unsupported slopes especially above treeline near cliff features. Look for obvious signs of previous wind loading such as cornices, rippled surface textures, and stiff slabs above weak snow. Pay attention to warming in the afternoon as avalanche activity on solar aspects will become more reactive.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Significantly strong S/W winds during and after our last storm system on March 15th caused widespread wind affect in the upper elevations. Wind slabs developed 1-2 feet deep which could still be reactive as they lie on weak snow surfaces such as crusts and low density snow. With the continued high fluctuations of day to night time temperatures, these slabs are becoming more stubborn and difficult to trigger. But these slabs could still be reactive on steep, unsupported slopes near ridgelines or cross loaded features such as cliff bands. Look for these wind slabs especially if venturing into consequential alpine terrain above treeline. 

    Wind slabs, cornices, and loose snow could become more reactive with warm temperatures and increased solar radiation from the sun today. Be aware that cornices can break further than expected and cause unusually large avalanches. 

    (3/16/2023) Photo: Daniel Nagy

Avalanche Discussion

Communication

Good morning, today we bring you another day of clear and sunny conditions for venturing into the mountainous backcountry terrain. There has been a shortage of these sunny days this winter, so people are frothing to explore new terrain. Yesterday we saw a decent amount of backcountry enthusiasts stepping out into complex terrain. The main concern continues to be those tricky wind slabs that lie on a variety of weak surfaces, hence the prolonged reactivity of these slabs. We don’t anticipate these becoming a persistent problem as daily fluctuations in temperature really help lock these in place. You could find wind slabs in the places you least likely want, in steep consequential terrain. Remain suspect of wind loaded pockets and test the reactivity with quick stability tests. Buried weak layers such as the Feb 18th layer appear to be dormant at this time. 

With an anticipated high number of backcountry users in complex terrain today, make sure to communicate to one another. The Tetons are notorious for incidents involving different groups that lacked good communication. Strive to avoid these incidents by talking to other folks about where and how they plan to ride a zone or line. I’m sure we’d all love to have these mountains to ourselves, but the reality is we don’t. Practice clear, concise communication with one another as it’s a critical tool you will use and improve upon every single day for backcountry travel and life in general. 

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